“Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God.
Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” Peter turned around and saw behind them
the disciple Jesus loved—the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper
and asked, “Lord, who will betray you?” Peter asked Jesus, “What about him,
Lord?” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to
you? As for you, follow me.” John 21:19-21 NLT
The instruction of the Lord to Peter and to every child of God is to follow Him.
In Hebrews 12:2 we are again instructed to look unto Jesus. Daily we are
tempted to take our eyes off Him and look at people or other things.
One of the things we are tempted to look upon is the problems and
challenges of life. Peter was walking upon the water when he fixed his eyes
on Jesus. However, when he took his eyes off Jesus and started looking at
the threatening storm he began to sink. He would have drowned had the Lord
not had mercy on him and lifted him up. One of the ways we take our eyes off
Him and start looking at the storms of life is when we begin to walk in the
realm of reason instead of the realm of faith. If Satan can trick you into the
realm of reason, He will defeat you. Hence, we are instructed in Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;”
Another thing that happens when we take our eyes off Jesus is to look at
people. When we yield to this temptation, we begin to compare ourselves with
others. This can lead to pride if you think you are doing better than the other
person. On the other hand, it can lead to discouragement and envy if we think
the other person is doing better than us. This is not wise and if it is not wise it
is foolishness. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with
those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by
themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
2 Cor.10:12.
Peter was told to follow Jesus and he turned around and saw John and was
tempted to start comparing himself with John. The Lord’s response was swift
and advised Peter for the second time to follow Him.
Jesus and His word are one. You look unto him by focusing on His word and
allowing His word to dominate your flesh/physical senses. This is what will put
you over any storm of life and give you peace that nothing else can give you.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Reason deals with facts. Faith deals with truth. Facts change but truth never changes.